A paper map of North America, focused on the western United States

Website Development Roadmap

When working with a partner to develop a website, we follow a development process that covers the basics of development, allows room for adjustments, and is scalable from the smallest to the largest sites. We apply this basic roadmap to every project and fit it for the specific scope and needs of the partner.

Sometimes, we augment this roadmap, and sometimes, we take out steps. We review this roadmap with every partner before we sign our contracts. Often, standard business practices are implemented, but there are a few things that we find are unique to our process that are helpful to point out.

Step 1: Quote Request

Usually, the first time our team speaks with a potential partner is after they’ve filled out our contact form or have been referred to us by an existing partner. We start the quote request with a free, 30-minute strategy session where we ask a lot of questions about the business’ goals, where they’re at with their marketing and website, and how their marketing and website ties in to their goals. Then, we strategize ways to bridge the gaps and present what we’ve come up with in a cohesive roadmap, using this guide as our starting point. We also deliver a quote with that roadmap that includes everything needed to see the plan to completion.

  • Free, 30-minute strategy session
  • We build a roadmap
  • We provide a free quote

Step 2: Contract

Every relationship we build with our partners is based on a contract that is readable, understandable, and designed to protect both parties while allowing both parties to change their minds. Prior to signing the contract, we walk through it together, highlighting for both parties their duties, rights, and responsibilities. We discuss the payment terms, copyright terms, and our rights to display our work. We also talk about extending the contract for hosting and what maintenance looks like. We never let a partner sign a contract that we don’t think they understand, so this step is very important to the relationship. Every contract requires a payment of 20% of the contract value at signing.

  • Readable, understandable contract
  • Protection for both parties
  • Covers both parties' duties, rights, responsibilities
  • Covers payment & copyright terms
  • 20% down payment due at signing

Step 3: Wireframing

Now we’re actually building the partner’s site. We start by building out the functional wireframe. We’ll implement the data structure required, install any necessary software, and build out the global pieces to the site (things like CTAs, headers, and footers). We’ll provide partners with a link to the development site, any passwords needed to access, and we’ll start putting in dummy content to develop the look & feel of the site, which is subject to change and feedback. We use a tool called Feedbucket to solicit feedback, and we’ll send instructions for that, too.

  • We build out the functional wireframe
  • We install software
  • We build out global pieces
  • We add feedback tool

Step 4: Feature Development

At this point, we’ll start working on specific functionality and design. We’ll start by building out any necessary integrations, specific features (for example, if the site needs a quote calculator), and implementing feedback from the previous round. This round will repeat because we subscribe to a concept called “iterative development”, which helps us narrow down what we need to do. This concept relies on two-way communication, so the partner’s role in this step is large, too.

  • Specific functionality & design
  • We connect necessary integrations (CRM, Analytics, etc)
  • We build specific features
  • Two-way communication & feedback
  • Iterate feedback & implementaion rounds

Step 5: Content & Polishing

Now that the site styles and functionality is built out, we’ll implement any content that needs to be built out yet, as well as “put the polish on”. This final step will include identifying & debugging issues, browser and device testing, and the little detailed things. We’ll test all functionality, including things like Analytics & integrations, and we’ll have the site ready to push live.

  • Content Build-Out
  • Continuing feedback & implementation
  • Browser & Device testing & debugging
  • Integration & functionality testing & debugging

Step 6: Go Live

The final step is launching the site. The actual launch isn’t very eventful, but once the site is out there, we’ll have some work to do. Inevitably, there are issues with URLs, unexpected redirects, things like that which only come out of the woodwork once the site starts getting used. We’ll keep a close eye on that type of stuff and fix it in real time. We’ll ensure that Google Search Console has the sitemap and can index the site, we’ll make sure that meta tags and previews are showing up correctly in social media, and we’ll be available for questions 24/7 during the first week.

  • Site Launch
  • Immediate issue identification & fixes
  • 24/7 support in first week post-launch
  • Google Search Console auditing
  • Meta tag & social media preview testing

(Optional) Step 7: Hosting & Maintenance

If we've set up a hosting & maintenance contract, we’ll put together maintenance documentation, set up recurring billing & tasks for our team to perform that maintenance. We’ll have monthly recap emails sent out to let you know how your site is doing & we’ll inform you of any issues along the way, with our suggestions for fixing. Maintenance contracts come with 1 hour of time every month for updates and we’ll certainly be talking about that as it comes up.

  • Maintenance documentation & process launch
  • Cloudways Hosting
  • Automated billing & maintenance completion
  • Monthly email recap
  • 1 hour of updates & strategy per month

Get a Free Quote & Strategy Session

We love getting to know people. Contact us today for a free consultation and you’ll walk away with a quote & 30 minute strategy session at no cost - with no obligation.

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